Organisations are increasingly being asked to give an account of their work in terms of outcomes and outputs. Churches are no different. The presence and actions of a church have an impact on those around them, but such effects very often go unnoticed and can easily be undervalued. Community Needs Assessments, or Community Audits are a useful way in which churches can find out about their communities so that they can better serve them - as well as evaluate the impact they already have on their locality. They can also be a useful tool in support of grant applications and when negotiating with local and church authorities.
The following resources and links can help your church in carrying out a Community Audit:
Community Audits
This document details how the Diocese of London encourages their parishes to develop and periodically revise a Mission Action Plan. It gives some useful pointers as to what parishes should consider when carrying out an audit and demonstrates how a parishes final document should outline strategies for mission and ministry so that parishes grow into vibrant, healthy communities of witness and service to their local communities.
Rural Ministries – Community Surveys
This series of survey suggestions developed by Rural Ministries to help churches become better acquainted with those who attend them, and more carefully understand their locality.